REMARKS : 



The eggs illustrated, Plate XLV, Fig. 2, were selected from seven sets as representatives of the 

 average and extremes in size, shape, color, and markings. The middle one is the commonest pattern. 



The Killdeer is a very common summer resident, and familiar to nearly everybody. They are tame 

 and unsuspicious birds except during the breeding season. At this time they are extremely solicitous. 

 The male generally stands guard over his mate, and, on the approach of supposed danger, gives his 

 alarm notes. It is easy to tell when a pair have a nest or young, by their circling flight and pleading- 

 cries, but it is very difficult to locate the nest by their actions, as they are purposely misleading. 



When driven from her eggs, the female will often feign lameness in hope of persuading the intruder 

 to pursue her, and in the chase lose the location of her home. The same stratagem she will resort to 

 when surprised with her young. I have seen a female save her chicks from a dog by throwing herself 

 in front of him and inviting pursuit. At times it seemed as if the dog would surely catch her, but she 

 safely led him a sufficient distance, when she flew away, and, by a circuitous course, returned to her brood. 



152 



